Mechanical holding device

ABSTRACT

The holding device includes an elongated support for a plurality of elements having sections providing gripping surfaces for a tool or instrument, the gripping surfaces of adjacent elements confronting one another. The adjacent elements are flexibly and resiliently movable toward and away from one another whereby when a tool is pressed between the gripping surfaces of adjacent elements, the tool is yieldingly held in position.

United States atent [72] lnventor Earl L. Walls 7460 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, Calif. 92037 [21] Appl. No. 17,670 [22] Filed Mar. 9, 1970 [45] Patented Dec. 7, 1971 [54] MECHANICAL HOLDING DEVICE 12 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

52 U.S.Cl 21l/60R,

248/37.3 [51] Int. Cl A471 7/00 [50] Field of Search 21 1/69, 68, 67, 60, 65, 66, 120, 69.8; 248/37.3, 37.6

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 73,448 1/1868 Kee 211/69.8 295,746 3/1884 Foster etal. 21 1/60 635,284 10/1899 Adair 211/69.8

Simonian Carwalho Bluff Fox Robertson Rozanski Gossett..... Paluck Primary Examiner-Nile C. Byers, Jr. Almrney-Warren H. F. Schmieding 24/12 248/312 21l/120X 211/12OX 211/120X 211/120 2ll/60X 211/60 PATENTEIJBEB 719m -1 3.625369 sum 10F 4 FIGZ ' INVENTOR. EARL L. WALLS ATTY.

PATENIED nEc 7 l9?! Y SHEET 2 BF 4 INVEN' TCRQ EARLL. WALLS ATT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention is directed to mechanical holders for such articles as tools, instruments, etc., in which they are yieldingly held in desirable and accessible position for ready use by an operator, such as a dentist, for example.

2. Description of the Prior Art I-Ieretofore and still, such tools, instruments, etc., are contained in drawers or are held in upright position in holes in panels. When such instruments are contained in a drawer, they are readily shifted from the positions at which they were placed. When such instruments are disposed in holes in a panel, the operator must expend time to find the hole which is to receive the instrument.

In practicing the present invention, the operator can readily place the instrument between the yieldable gripping surfaces of the holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The holder of the present invention includes elongated supporting mechanism for a plurality of longitudinally spaced elements, each of the elements, except those at the extreme ends of the row of elements, is provided with gripping surfaces. These elements are attached to the elongated support for yieldable movement toward and away from one another. The movement away from one another and toward one another is permitted through resilient and flexible connections between the elements and the elongated support. In some embodiments of the invention, the elements are translatably movable relative to one another, there being flexible and resilient members interposed between the elements. In another embodiment the elements are integral sections of an elongated flexible and resilient structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a top plan view of one of the embodiments of the invention, parts thereof being shown in section, the view also showing an instrument in section which is held between the gripping surfaces of two of the gripping elements;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the invention parts thereof being shown in section, the view also showing an instrument which is held between the gripping surfaces of two of the gripping elements;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of the invention, parts thereof being shown in section, the view also showing an instrument in section which is held between the gripping surfaces of two of the gripping elements;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the unitary structure shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the unitary structure shown in FIG. 8, the section being taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an end view looking in the direction of arrow 10 of the structure shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of mechanism for fixing the unitary structure shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 to the elongated support.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 8 but showing different shapes of gripping surfaces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding device includes a frame 22 which comprises an elongated element in the form of a support 24 having opposite sides 26 and 28 and a yoke 30. The element is employed for fastening the device 20 to a wall or drawer, as by screws 31. The frame 22 also includes a rod 40 which is disposed in the channel substantially midway between the sides 34 and 36 and substantially midway between the yoke 38 and the outer ends of the sides 34 and 36 of the channel 32. The channel and rod 40 are clamped between the sides 26 and 28 by bolts 42 which are threaded into the ends of the rod. The bolts are provided with large knobs 44.

The gripping elements 46 are flexibly and resiliently connected with the frame 22. In this embodiment each of the gripping elements 46 includes a retaining section 48 at the rear thereof, which section is provided with a hole 50 for receiving the rod 40. Each gripping element also includes a forwardly extending section 52, the opposite sides of which are curved to provide gripping surfaces 54. The gripping elements 46 are disposedin spaced relationship along the rod 40. Springs 56 surround the rod 40 and are interposed between the retaining sections 48 of adjacent gripping elements 46.

As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument 60 can be retained between any two of adjacent gripping elements 46. By inserting the instrument rearwardly between adjacent gripping elements, those gripping elements will be spread, yieldingly, away from one another, yet yieldingly urged toward one another by the flexible and resilient means in the form of a spring 58 which is interposed between the retaining sections 48. Thus the confronting gripping surfaces 54 of adjacent gripping elements yieldingly retain the instrument 60 in position. Upon removal of the instrument, the gripping elements will be returned to the position in which they parallel one another.

It is to be observed, particularly from FIG. 2 that the diameter of the holes 50 in the retaining sections 48 of the gripping elements 46 is larger than the diameter of the rod 40. Such larger diameter of the holes is necessary to provide clearance 62 between the top and bottom of the rod so that the retaining sections 48 of the gripping elements 46 will not bind with the rod when the elements 46 are being moved to instrumentretaining position. It will also be observed that the outer ends of the sides 34 and 36 of the channel 32 are turned inwardly to form beads 64. The beads extend into notches 66 on the opposite sides of the retaining sections 48 of the gripping elements. The notches are slightly wider than the width of the beads 64 to provide clearance between the retainer sections and the beads, thereby preventing binding between the beads and the walls forming the notches when the elements 46 are being spread apart. The sides 34 and 36 of the channel 32 assist in retaining the gripping elements in position. Also noses 70 of the forwardly extending sections 52 are curved for the ready reception and the gradual spreading of the gripping elements 46.

Sheaths 68, formed of flexible material such as Nylon, are interposed between the retaining sections 48 of the gripping elements. These sheaths surround the coil springs 58 and are preferably compressed. They prevent the ingress of extraneous materials such as dirt or moisture.

When it is desirable to adjust the position of the gripping elements 46 relative to the frame, either of bolts 42 is turned by its knob 44 to loosen the channel 32. After adjustment, the channel is again fixed in position.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 22, including the elongated element 24, the channel 32, the bolts 42, knobs 44, springs 58 and sheaths 68 are like those shown in FIGS. I and 2. However the rod is not circular in cross section and is preferably square in cross section as shown in FIG. 4. Also the holes in the retaining sections 148 of the gripping elements I46 are not circular, but are preferably square.

In this embodiment, FIGS. 3 and 4, the gripping elements 1146 slide longitudinally along the rod 140 when an instrument 60 is forced between adjacent forward sections 152 of the gripping elements. Like in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sections 152 are provided with gripping surfaces 154 and noses 170. In this embodiment, FIGS. 3 and 4, the means for providing flexible and resilient connection between the gripping elements 146 is in the form of flexible and resilient rings I58 which surround the rod 140. These rings may be formed of rubber or synthetic rubber. They constantly tend to maintain adjacent elements 146 in spaced relationship but will yield longitudinally when an instrument is being inserted between adjacent elements 146, as shown in FIG. 4. The gripping elements are drilled as at 147 for receiving a rod 149. This rod is fixed to the channel and assists in guiding the gripping elements 146 when an instrument is inserted between a pair of gripping elements and when the instmment is removed from between the pair of elements.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 to here again, the frame 22 including the elongated element 24, the screws 42, the knobs 44 are like those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Like in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rod 240 is shown as being not circular in cross section.

In this embodiment FIGS. 5 to 10, an integral structure 243 includes an elongated section 245 and a plurality of tines 246 which extend forwardly from the section 245. The forward section 252 of each tine has gripping surfaces 254 on opposite sides thereof. Sections 255 which are intermediate the forward sections 252 and the elongated section 245 are flexible and resilient. This characteristic of the sections 245 and 255 is accomplished by forming the cross section of sections 245 and 255 thinner relative to the section 252. It is to be understood that the material of the integral structure is fonned of material such as Nylon, rubber or synthetic material which can be fairly stable but which, when reduced in thickness, is flexible and resilient. The present structure is fairly stable at the forward sections 252 but is flexible and resilient along the elongated section 245 and the intermediate sections 255.

The elongated section 245 of the unitary structure 243 is longitudinally bifurcated to provide spaced portions 247 which extend toward one another to provide beads 249. The rod 240 extends between the spaced portions 247 and the beads 249 extend along the rear side of the rod. The elongated section 245 is provided with recesses 25] which are spaced from one another longitudinally along the section 245, as is more clearly shown in FIG. 11.

Spacers 253 are aligned with the recesses 251 and are disposed between the rear side of the rod 240 and the forward side of the yoke 238 of the channel 232. Screws 257 are threaded into the rod 240 to clamp the spacers in position on the rod 240. The beads 249 of the elongated section 245, being interposed between the front side of the yoke 238 and the rear side of the rod 240, are likewise clamped in position. Thus the unitary structure is fixed to the channel 232.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, wherein the modified and extended channel 332 includes sides 334 and 336, a connector yoke 338 and an integrally formed bracket 339. This bracket is elongated longitudinally of the channel. It extends forwardly of the yoke and midway of the sides of the channel. Bracket includes an enlarged forwardly extending section 341 and a narrow section 343 which connects the section 341 with the yoke and forms rearwardly extending shoulders 345 on the section 341. The section 341 is open longitudinally, herein shown as a circular hole 347, for receiving the rod 40.

The rear portions 247 on the integral structure 342 straddle the forwardly extending section 341 of the bracket 339 and the beads 349 are disposed between the shoulders 345 and the yoke 338 of the bracket. The portions 247 are longer than the distance between the shoulders 345 and the front end of the section 341. The beads 249 are narrower than the length of the connector section 343 of the bracket and the hole 347 in the bracket is larger than the diameter of the rod. The clearance thus provided insures nonbinding of the retaining section 245 with the channel 332.

Referring now to FIG. 12, it is apparent that the gripping surfaces of the gripping elements, of all embodiments can be shaped to take the form of the instrument that is to be retained in the holding device. Likewise the noses can be designed for the ready reception of the instrument.

From the foregoing it is apparent that by virtue of the present invention, I have provided an instrument or tool holder which is particularly useful for doctors, nurses, etc., in the medical and dental profession. In addition to instruments and tools, the holder can be readily adapted for retaining, drilling hard-piece assemblies, aspirator assemblies, spring assemblies, test tubes, laboratory glassware. Thus in using the present invention each article to be used can be retained in its home position, readily removed therefrom and readily replaced to its home position.

Having described my invention, I now claim:

I. A mechanical holding device comprising in combination:

A. means providing an elongated support, said means including:

1. an elongated rod carried by the means;

B. means providing:

1. a plurality of gripping elements, certain of said elements each having:

a. a substantially stable section having gripping surfaces on opposite sides thereof, the gripping surfaces of adjacent elements confronting one another, said surfaces of the gripping elements being spaced from the rod for retaining in place tools spaced from the b. means providing flexible and resilient connections between the said sections of the gripping elements and the rod.

2. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the rod is mounted for oscillation relative to the first mentioned means, and further characterized to include:

c. means for fastening the rod in adjusted position on the first mentioned means.

3. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the gripping elements have openings which receive the rod, and further characterized in that the third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between said sections and the rod include flexible and resilient means on the rod between adjacent gripping elements; and further characterized to include:

C. a plurality of longitudinally flexible sheaths, the sheaths being disposed, respectively, between the gripping elements and surrounding the rod.

4. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 3,

characterized in that the sheaths are under compression.

5. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the said gripping elements (B) (I) each includes:

c. a section guided by the rod, and further characterized in that the third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between the gripping elements and the rod are disposed between the last mentioned sections.

6. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between the gripping elements and the rod comprise springs on the rod, the springs being disposed respectively between the last mentioned sections.

7. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the said third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between the gripping elements and the rod comprise flexible and resilient rubber rings on the rod, the rings being disposed respectively between the last mentioned sections.

8. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the flexible and resilient means are springs.

9. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the flexible and resilient means are rubber rings surrounding the rod.

10. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the third mentioned means includes:

B. l, b, i. a single flexible and resilient connection between a plurality of the first mentioned sections of the gripping elements and the rod.

in the channel and to the rod.

12. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 10, characterized in that the channel includes side elements and a yoke connecting the side elements, and further characterized in that the means for securing the flexible and resilient connection is attached to the yoke.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,625, 369 Dated December 7, 1971 Inventor(s) EARL L. WALLS It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 75: after "eludes" insert --an elongated channel 32 having forwardly extending sides 34 and 36 and The frame 22 also includes".

Column 4, line 21: after "the" insert --rod,

Signed and sealed this 13th day of June 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,J'R. ROBERT GOT'I'SCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents a yoke 38 at the rear which connects the channel.

RM 90-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC scams9 Q U S GOVERNMFNT PRINTING QFFICE 969 0-366-334 

1. A mechanical holding device comprising in combination: A. means providing an elongated support, said means including:
 1. an elongated rod carried by the means; B. means providing:
 1. a plurality of gripping elements, certain of said elements each having: a. a substantially stable section having gripping surfaces on opposite sides thereof, the gripping surfaces of adjacent elements confronting one another, said surfaces of the gripping elements being spaced from the rod for retaining in place tools spaced from the rod, b. means providing flexible and resilient connections between the said sections of the gripping elements and the rod.
 2. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the rod is mounted for oscillation relative to the first mentioned means, and further characterized to include: c. means for fastening the rod in adjusted position on the first mentioned means.
 3. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the gripping elements have openings which receive the rod, and further characterized in that the third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between said sections and the rod include flexible and resilient means on the rod between adjacent gripping elements; and further characterized to include: C. a plurality of longitudinally flexible sheaths, the sheaths being disposed, respectively, between the gripping elements and surrounding the rod.
 4. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the sheaths are under compression.
 5. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the said gripping elements (B) (1) each includes: c. a section guided by the rod, and further characterized in that the third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between the gripping elemEnts and the rod are disposed between the last mentioned sections.
 6. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between the gripping elements and the rod comprise springs on the rod, the springs being disposed respectively between the last mentioned sections.
 7. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the said third mentioned means that provide flexible and resilient connections between the gripping elements and the rod comprise flexible and resilient rubber rings on the rod, the rings being disposed respectively between the last mentioned sections.
 8. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the flexible and resilient means are springs.
 9. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the flexible and resilient means are rubber rings surrounding the rod.
 10. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the third mentioned means includes: B.
 1. b. i. a single flexible and resilient connection between a plurality of the first mentioned sections of the gripping elements and the rod.
 11. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 10, characterized in that the first mentioned means includes: A
 2. an elongated channel carried by the first mentioned means, said rod being disposed in the channel; and further characterized in that said flexible and resilient connection extends into the channel; and further characterized to include: C. means for securing said flexible and resilient connection in the channel and to the rod.
 12. A mechanical holding device as defined in claim 10, characterized in that the channel includes side elements and a yoke connecting the side elements, and further characterized in that the means for securing the flexible and resilient connection is attached to the yoke. 